Egypt has announced its participation in a new African Union peacekeeping force in Somalia, as tensions rise following Ethiopia’s maritime agreement with Somaliland. Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty emphasized Somalia’s sovereignty and rejection of external pressures. This involvement coincides with ongoing regional diplomatic developments and a strategic partnership between Egypt and Somalia, particularly in military cooperation.
On Monday, Egypt’s Foreign Minister, Badr Abdelatty, announced the nation’s participation in a newly established African Union peacekeeping force in Somalia, following a formal request from the Somali government. During a press conference with Somali Foreign Minister Ahmed Moalim Fiqi in Cairo, Abdelatty stated Egypt’s commitment comes in light of increasing regional tensions, particularly with Ethiopia,, which recently signed a maritime agreement with Somaliland that has strained relations with Mogadishu.
The announcement precedes the expiration of the African Union Transition Mission in Somalia on December 31, which will transition to the African Union Support and Stabilization Mission aimed at combating the terrorist group Al-Shabaab. Abdelatty emphasized the importance of maintaining Somali sovereignty, rejecting any external pressures that could threaten the nation’s unity.
Recent diplomatic efforts have also sought to stabilize relations in the Horn of Africa, notably a negotiated agreement facilitated by Turkey that ended a prolonged dispute between Somalia and Ethiopia, which received positive feedback from the African Union and Western allies. While Somalia previously indicated that Ethiopian troops would not be included in the new peacekeeping force, Egypt’s involvement has been welcomed.
Cairo intends to enhance its strategic ties with Somalia, highlighted by a military cooperation agreement signed during a visit from Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud in August. Moreover, a recent summit involving Egypt, Eritrea, and Somalia is viewed as a regional alignment that may exclude Ethiopia, against the backdrop of ongoing tensions regarding the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam, which Cairo believes jeopardizes its essential water resources.
The involvement of Egypt in the African Union peacekeeping force in Somalia comes amid heightened tensions in the Horn of Africa. These tensions have largely been fueled by Ethiopia’s recent maritime agreement with the breakaway region of Somaliland, which has implications for Somalia’s territorial claims and its diplomatic relations with neighboring countries, particularly Egypt. The shift from the African Union Transition Mission to a new stabilization force also underscores the urgent need to address the ongoing threat of terrorism in the region, notably from groups such as Al-Shabaab, while safeguarding Somalia’s national sovereignty.
In summary, Egypt’s participation in the new African Union peacekeeping mission in Somalia marks an important step towards strengthening cooperation in the region amidst ongoing tensions with Ethiopia. The commitment to uphold Somali sovereignty and counter the threat from Al-Shabaab reflects Cairo’s strategic interests in the Horn of Africa. This development, alongside recent diplomatic efforts, suggests an evolving geopolitical landscape in which regional partnerships may reshape existing power dynamics.
Original Source: www.barrons.com
